By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
USE OF a courtroom for activities unrelated to judicial proceedings has drawn condemnation from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) following an incident at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the association expressed grave concern over an incident involving Omoyele Sowore on March 24, 2026, at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
A press statement signed by Afam Osigwe, SAN, President of the NBA, noted that Sowore entered the courtroom accompanied by individuals carrying camera phones and recording equipment and proceeded to set up what appeared to be preparations for a press conference within the courtroom.
Members of his team attended to him by fanning his face and tidying his appearance in a manner akin to a broadcast setting.
The NBA President also stated that Mr Sowore subsequently moved into the inner bar, sat on one of the tables, and, as cameras were directed at him, began addressing what he described as a range of national issues.
His case was not listed for hearing, and he was not accompanied by any legal practitioner during the episode.
The development led to tension within the courtroom and a confrontation with Musibau Adetunbi, SAN, who objected to the conduct and insisted on maintaining courtroom decorum.
The NBA stated that courtrooms are solemn spaces dedicated to the administration of justice and that any conduct which undermines the dignity of the court, intimidates legal practitioners, or disrupts proceedings constitutes a grave affront to the rule of law.
It added that the use of a courtroom as a venue for publicity, advocacy theatrics, or confrontation is unacceptable and inconsistent with the discipline required in judicial proceedings.
The association stated that while every Nigerian, including Mr Sowore, is entitled to attend and observe court proceedings, such a right must be exercised responsibly and with due regard to courtroom decorum.
It affirmed that public access does not extend to converting the courtroom into a platform for press briefings or actions capable of undermining the dignity and authority of the court, whether or not the court is in session.
The NBA said it condemned in strong terms the disruption of the courtroom environment and expressed solidarity with Mr Adetunbi and other lawyers who insisted on maintaining decorum.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the NBA further called on court authorities to ensure that courtrooms remain protected spaces for the orderly administration of justice and free from acts capable of intimidating legal practitioners in the discharge of their duties.
The association stated it would continue to defend the dignity of the legal profession and the sanctity of judicial proceedings, maintaining that the courtroom must remain a place of order, respect, disciplined advocacy, and responsible public access.
